Kentucky National Guard Memorial

Honoring Their Sacrifice

Thompson, James Robert (P3, C2, L2)

Lieutenant Colonel James Robert Thompson, 44, Louisville, Jefferson County, Kentucky, died on 24 May 1976 while at annual training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi of a heart attack. A native of Marion County, Thompson was found dead in his quarters. Efforts to resuscitate him were not successful. Thompson was a veteran of the Korean War serving from December 1951 to August 1952 as a Private First Class with Service Battery of the 623rd Field Artillery Battalion.

Thompson first enlisted in the Kentucky Army National Guard in February 1949. He accepted a commission as an officer in the 623rd in July of 1955. He also served in the 4th Howitzer Battalion, 5th Target Acquisition Battery (TAB) and Headquarters and Headquarters Battery of XXIII Corps Artillery. His awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal; Kentucky State Active Duty Ribbon, Kentucky Service Ribbon and the Kentucky 20 Years Service Plaque. His military papers list his date of birth as 24 June 1931. Thompson is buried in section 17 of the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Louisville.

The Kentucky National Guard Memorial Fund, Inc., is a recognized 501(c)(3). EIN 26-3705273